Farida Fasasi, the widow of the late veteran Nigerian singer, Lanre Fasasi, is in a happy mood.

She is in a celebratory mood as she turns 40 today, April 16.

Farida shared a lovely family photo of herself and the four kids she shared with her late husband.

She wrote; ’As I reach this milestone, I am grateful for the wisdom and experiences that come with age. May the next chapter of my life be filled with love, laughter, and continued growth.

"Cheers to 40 years of life! I celebrate the journey that has shaped me into the person I am today alhamdulillah''

Farida and the late Sound Sultan were married for 11 years before he died on July 11, 2021, after a long battle with Throat cancer.

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Farida Fasasi (@faridafasasi)

Gov Abba Yusuf of Kano State has been handed a 6 months suspension by the Board of Trustees of a faction of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

This decision, revealed by Comrade Oginni Olaposi Sunday, the party’s National Secretary, is linked to alleged anti-party activities involving the governor.

During a press conference held at the party’s headquarters in Abuja, Oginni stated that this suspension stems from Yusuf’s failure to comply with a prior summons to appear before a disciplinary committee.

The committee was tasked with investigating his alleged violations of the party’s constitution, specifically his participation in what the party deems an unauthorized national convention organized by the Kwankwasiya group on April 6, 2024, at the Class Event Centre in Wuse, Abuja.

“We called this conference to intimate you on the developments resulting from the recent invitation extended to Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano to appear before a disciplinary committee,” Oginni explained. He highlighted the necessity of addressing these issues publicly, given the governor’s status as a prominent national figure of the NNPP.

The disciplinary committee, led by Barrister Monday Mawah and with Prince Adetoyese Omakanye as secretary, noted that Gov. Yusuf did not attend the scheduled hearing or provide any explanation for his absence despite being given ample opportunity to defend himself.

“In accordance with Article 39.0, 39(1-4) on disciplinary procedures, His Excellency Abba Yusuf was availed with an unfettered opportunity to explore all openings to resolve the issues being investigated as stipulated therein in relation to allegations of gross misconduct brought against him, he however failed to take advantage of this by not appearing,” Oginni added.

The NNPP’s internal regulations and the 2022 constitution, as amended, mandate strict adherence to party discipline and the supremacy of party directives. The decision to suspend Yusuf was made following a unanimous decision by the National Working Committee (NWC), underscoring the party’s commitment to maintaining stringent internal democratic and disciplinary measures.

Yoruba Nation agitators issued a threat yesterday, warning of further disruption if security forces do not release their members responsible for raising their flag at the Oyo State House of Assembly.

Recall that 21 suspected agitators and several weapons, berets, soldiers’ boots, caps, charms and other dangerous weapons were paraded by the state Police Command.

The agitators, through their Deputy Coordinator, Victor Adewale, in a statement, also threatened President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State to bear the brunts if they fail to release arrested agitators.

The statement claimed that the said Adewale is based in Sweden and serves as the European Coordinator of the Oodua Progressive Union, OPU.

It noted that he was installed Akingbayi Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland in 2020.

The statement reads: “If Seyi Makinde refuses to release our men that were arrested and makes them sleep in the cell, he has called for war and Bola Tinubu will be greatly affected. The way we will ravage, you won’t all understand.

“I’m directed to warn you for the last time. Governor Makinde must release our warriors he arrested at the secretariat in Ibadan. He must release them immediately, he should return them to the secretariat, let them be doing their own there and we should be doing ours.

“If he continues to hold them, wherever you are; you will be rooted out. Our proclamation letters are with them. Tinubu, Tunji Disu, Makinde and all Amotekun in Yoruba land and the police, you must release those guys immediately. War is coming and I want to implore Yoruba people to go out en masse to protest. However, whether you like it or not, we have an interim government now for Yoruba Nation.”

says party’s stability at stake

Abuja: Barely 48 hours of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the PDP Loyal Group 100 percent, has said lasting peace will elude the party if former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar does not sacrifice his 2027 Presidential ambition and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is not sanctioned for anti-party activities .

National Cordinator / Chairman of the group , Dennis Shima said this while addressing newsmen in Abuja, on Tuesday.

The group suggested that Atiku should act as a statesman, sacrifice his 2027 Presidential ambition and support one of his mentees for the PDP ticket while the party should use the powers conferred on NEC to sanction Wike and others whose activities have proven detrimental to the party’s stability.

The pro- PDP interest group came to linelight after 2015 general election with the sole objective of addressing the political challenges and intimidations faced by PDP loyalists across Nigeria after PDP lost 2015 presidential general election as a result of internal crisis.

Shima said the group took the decision to suggest a reasonable cause of action for the party ahead of the NEC meeting after wide consultations and several meetings.

He said, “We also consulted widely across Nigeria and resorted to call on PDP National Caucus, Board of Trustees BOT and most importantly NEC to do the following in accordance with the provisions of PDP Constitution (As amended 2017) without prejudices thus: “Advise, His Excellency Alh. Atiku Abubakar GCON, former Vice President of Nigeria (1999 to 2007), PDP 2019 Presidential Candidate and 2023 Presidential Candidate to stop further contest for PDP Presidential Tickets beginning from 2027. And further, request His Excellency Alh Atiku Abubakar GCON to support one of his many mentees across Nigeria to contest for PDP Presidential Tickets beginning from 2027.

“We call on, His Excellency Alh Atiku Abubakar GCON, to nominate and support, any of his many mentees from the appropriate geo-political Zone for 2027 presidential election.

“We also call on, His Excellency Alh Atiku Abubakar GCON, to appreciate God for his wealth of experience and mentorship in Nigerian democracy under PDP since 1999 to date.

“Therefore, accept this clarion call for him to be a statesman and kingmaker politically going forward. We are optimistic that, His Excellency, Alh Atiku Abubakar GCON, former Vice President of Nigeria, and two times PDP presidential candidate, is not an ingrate and will be grateful to God and PDP, for the platform provided for him, to serve Nigerians in the aforementioned capacities.

“We are optimistic that, if His Excellency Alh Atiku Abubakar GCON, accepts his fate going forward as a, father, husband, mentor and statesman in PDP and by extension Nigerian democracy, PDP will win the forthcoming 2027 presidential general election in Nigeria landslide without many political battles as recently faced from prominent figures in Nigeria who are against the person of His Excellency Alh Atiku Abubakar GCON former Vice President of Nigeria.”

The group further said, “Secondly, we call on the forthcoming PDP National Executive Committee NEC to exercise its power and authority inline with provisions of PDP Constitution regarding; offenses and sanctions, as contained in Section 58(1) a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, I, l, and m. And also Section 59(1) a, b, c, d, e, f, and g, as well as Subsection (2), (3), (4), and (5) to “suspend” His Excellency Barr. Nyesom Wike CON, former Governor of Rivers State from participating in meetings or functions, of PDP at all levels at home and abroad, directly or indirectly.

“Considering the fact that, the deviant PDP stalwart obtained a Court Order restraining PDP from expelling him from the party, we jettison the option of expulsion from the PDP, which would have been appropriate sanction to him.

“This is because of former Governor Wike’s present role as Federal Minister and responsibilities in APC led Federal Government, which is alien to the character and ethics of PDP and also violates, the Constitution of our great party as given in the above sections 58, 59 and subsections (as amended 2017) without prejudices to the personality of the former Governor of Rivers state Mr. Nyesom Wike until the day he officially leaves the Pay Roll of APC led Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. After all, PDP receives returnees into its membership. “

The PDP pressure group recalled that, ahead of 2015 general election, a group of G5 Governors emerged from PDP known as New PDP led by His Excellency Alh. Atiku Abubakar GCON former Vice President of Nigeria (1999-2007) which then frustrated PDP campaigns and caused the defeat of PDP at the 2015 presidential polls in Nigeria which is why the unfortunate President Buhari led Federal Government happened to Nigerians from 2015 to 2023.

It equally said, “In 2016, PDP100% in collaboration with His Excellency Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi- led National Caretaker Committee to rebrand PDP to be what ought to be ahead of future elections beginning from 2019, we mobilized like minds across Nigeria to uphold the vision and mission of PDP in Nigeria with our motto “100% Loyalty Pays”.

“We stood by Senator Makarfi- led Caretaker committee to legally dislodge former Governor Ali Modu Sheriff who was appointed PDP National Chairman in 2016 and later became a thorn in the PDP flesh up to Supreme Court and PDP won.

“We contributed to rebranding of PDP during the 2017 PDP National Elective Convention in various capacities including publicity subcommittee with our sweats

I tried to save him but was attacked with cutlass – Grandfather

Mrs Mariam Israel, mother of the 15-month-old baby, who was burnt to death by hoodlums that invaded Egan Oriomi, a riverine community in Otto Awori Local Council Development Area, LCDA, Ojo, Lagos, on Saturday, yesterday said she was prevented from saving the child.

Vanguard gathered that five persons out of the 12 suspects arrested on Monday in connection with the invasion have been released.

The weekend’s attack on the community led to the burning of 15 houses, 10 persons shot and scores of others among whom was a nonagenarian, inflicted with deep machete cuts on his body, by hoodlums alleged to have been hired by some politicians over a lingering kingship tussle.

The bereaved mother, who is yet to come to terms with the death of her baby, spoke to Vanguard, during a visit to Femi Falana’s law firm in Ikeja, alongside other affected members of the community, about how the tragedy occurred.

She said in tears: “My husband is a bricklayer. He went for site work in Surulere that fateful day. Before Saturday, we had been seeing strange faces in the community. Some persons in the community alerted the Police. I also called my husband to inform him of the strange faces because there had been rumour of an imminent attack. He told me to take our two children inside.

“They started shooting about 11 p.m., on Friday. Again, I called my husband to inform him. By then, my baby, Emmanuel, was sleeping with his elder sister.

“By midnight, they started hitting the wall of the room. The next thing I saw was a flame of fire and the smoke covered the entire building. In my confused state, I carried only one of the children and ran out, thinking I would go back to pick up the other child.

“By the time I got outside, I started shouting for help. They prevented everyone from entering the building to save my baby. I kept hearing the cry of my baby until it fainted. The next time I saw my baby, he had been roasted to death.

“They burnt everything, leaving my family bare. I only ran out of a wrapper. Every day, my girl kept asking after Emmanuel.

“ I need justice for my baby, who was killed horribly. Nigerians, please, help me beg Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to come to our aid. They want to silence us because they feel we are poor, voiceless and helpless. Those who sent the hoodlums are politicians who feel we don’t know anyone in the government.”

On his part, her father-in-law, Mr Akinsanya Taofiq, said: “I tried my best to save my grandson. I live in the same community with my son. But on that day, I decided to spend the night with his family because of the strange faces roaming the community.

“When my daughter-in-law raised the alarm that her baby was inside, I attempted to rush inside to save him. But they attacked me with cutlasses, even when I begged them to consider the baby. One of my sons, who came to rescue me from their grips had his skull smashed with a bottle.”

In a move to revolutionise Nigeria’s trade and commerce, President Bola Tinubu has launched the National Single Window Project, which is expected to generate an annual economic benefit of approximately $2.7 billion from paperless trade alone.

The National Single Window Project is a cross-government initiative that aims to simplify trade processes, unlock economic potential, and position Nigeria as a global trade leader.
The project will create a single digital platform that links ports, government agencies, and stakeholders, enabling a seamless and efficient trade ecosystem.

“The National Single Window is a game-changer that will revolutionise the way we conduct trade,” said President Tinubu during the launch event at the State House in Abuja. ”
By simplifying government trade compliance through a digital platform, we will unlock the doors to economic prosperity and all other opportunities.”

The project is expected to reduce the time and cost of doing business in Nigeria, making it more attractive to foreign investors.

Additionally, the platform will enhance transparency and efficiency in the trade sector, which will help to reduce corruption and improve revenue collection for the government.

Tinubu said the project is expected to reduce the time and cost of doing business in Nigeria, making it more attractive to foreign investors. Additionally, the platform will enhance transparency and efficiency in the trade sector, which will help to reduce corruption and improve revenue collection for the government.

“The National Single Window is a game changer that will revolutionise the way we conduct trade. By simplifying government trade compliance through a digital platform, we will unlock the doors to economic prosperity and all other opportunities.

“This initiative will link our ports, government agencies and key stakeholders, creating a seamless and efficient system that will facilitate trade like never before. Imagine a Nigeria where business can save time and resources, where small enterprises can reach global markets and where the informal e-commerce sector is brought into the fold increasing our tax base. This is the Nigeria we are building with the National Single Window.

“The benefits of this initiative are immense. The paperless trade alone is estimated to bring an annual economic benefit of around $2.7 billion US dollars. Countries like Singapore, Korea Kenya and Saudi Arabia have already seen significant improvement in trade efficiency after implementing Single Window Systems.

“It is time for Nigeria to join their ranks and reap the reward of a streamlined, digitised trade process. We cannot afford to lose an estimated $4 billion annually to red tape, bureaucracy, delays and corruption at our ports.

“The National Single Window will address these issues headlong, preventing revenue leakage and facilitating effective trade. By doing so, we will create a more transparent, secure and business friendly environment that will attract investment and spur economic growth.

“The implementation of the National Single Window will not be an overnight process, I know. It requires dedication, collaboration and a phased approach. But I assure you my fellow brothers and sisters, that we are fully committed to seeing this project through.

“We work tirelessly to ensure its success by engaging all partner agencies and stakeholders to create a system that works for every one of us”, he said.

According to the chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, the implementation of the National Single Window Project is expected to generate an average GDP growth rate of seven per cent annually.

“The National Single Window is a decisive response to the challenges we face in the current international trade environment,” said Adedeji.

“By improving trade facilitation, revenue generation, economic growth, transparency, security, and streamlining processes, we will transform Nigeria into a global trade powerhouse.”

The National Single Window steering committee, which includes representatives from various government agencies and ministries, has set a target of 24-hour port clearance, significantly faster than the 72-to-48-hour range in neighbouring countries.

“Our aim is to streamline this process so that minimal information is entered, benefiting all government agencies involved in import and export procedures,” said Mohammed Bello-Koko, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority.

Members of the National Single Window steering committee are: Representatives of the Ministries of Finance, Marine and Blue Economy, Transportation, Industry, Trade and Investment, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Nigerian Customs Service, Nigeria sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA).

Others are “ Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), Nigerian Maritime Administration on Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC).

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has further slashed diesel prices, from N1,200 to N1,000 per litre, aiming to mitigate the escalating inflation rates in Nigeria.

This reduction follows a previous price cut three weeks ago when the refinery initially decreased its diesel price by over 30%, down from N1,600 to N1,200 per litre.

The refinery has described this decision as a strategic move expected to “this significant reduction in the price of diesel, at Dangote Petroleum Refinery, is expected to positively affect all the spheres of the economy and ultimately reduce the high inflation rate in the country.”

During an interview with newsmen, the Executive Director of the Dangote Group, Devakumar Edwin, emphasized the refinery’s robust output capabilities.

“We have substantial quantities. Products are being evacuated both by sea and road. Ships are lining up one after another to load diesel and aviation jet fuel. Ships load a minimum of 26 million litres, though we try to push for 37 million litres vessels, for ease of operations,” Edwin stated.

The announcement comes days after an APC chieftain in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, called on President Bola Tinubu to address what he termed excessively high diesel prices at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

In a press conference in Osogbo, Oyintiloye argued that, “as a domestically produced commodity, diesel prices should be significantly lower than those of imported counterparts.”

The family of the late MKO Abiola has distanced itself from the declaration of support for the Yoruba Nation agitators by one of the late billionaire’s widows, Dupe Onitiri-Abiola.

Naija News reports that Onitiri-Abiola had in a viral video on social media declared that the Democratic Republic of Yoruba came into existence on Friday, April 12, a day before the agitators invaded the Oyo State Government secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan.

Speaking in the Yoruba dialect, Onitiri-Abiola said, “We are indigenous people. We are sovereign people. We are ethnic nationalists. That we should leave Nigeria. Today, April 12, 2024, we leave with the power of God.

“I, Modupe Onitiri-Abiola, proclaim the sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of the Yoruba. From today, Yoruba land begins its government. It has become the newest nation. Yoruba became a country that nobody is against. This is hereby established. I, Modupe Onitire-Abiola, am an origin of Yoruba. I am MKO Abiola’s widow.”

However, reacting to Onitiri-Abiola declaration on behalf of the family, one of the late Abiola’s children, Jamiu told Punch that she was on her own.

Jamiu, who is currently the Special Assistant to the President on Special Duties, urged Nigerians not to take her proclamation as representing the family seriously.

He said, “I heard about that, and like almost all Nigerians, I didn’t take her (Onitiri-Abiola) declaration seriously. I have never met her in my life, talk less of knowing her motives. But that is not what is important.

“When it comes to Nigeria’s unity, many people know how much my father believed in it. Even after his arrest and incarceration, not once did he advocate for Nigeria’s division. So I don’t believe any Abiola has the right to promote the division of this country.

“Particularly now, because if my father were alive today, he would have been so happy that his closest and most highly competent associate, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is doing all he would have wanted to do if he had been allowed to exercise his mandate.”

He explained that the late MKO had four official wives “in addition to women who are also known as his wives.”

According to Jamiu, the late Abiola adopted certain kinds of relationships as a way of taking care of as many people as possible.

The Kaduna chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied any intention to suspend the former governor of the state, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.

Recent reports had suggested that El-Rufai would face suspension from the ruling party due to alleged anti-party activities.

However, the spokesperson for the APC in Kaduna, Salisu Wusono, addressed the speculations on Tuesday evening.

In a terse response to TheCable, Wusono dismissed the alleged plan to suspend the party chieftain, stating categorically that there is no such plan by the party leadership.

“Nothing like this!,” Wusono said.

It is worth noting that El-Rufai was recently seen with Abdul Ningi, a senator who was suspended for accusing the 2024 budget of being padded by approximately ₦3 trillion.

Additionally, El-Rufai paid a visit to the headquarters of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Abuja.

Naija News understands that these visits elicited debates on and off social media, as many speculated that the former governor was plotting a political move.

In a reaction earlier, the SDP national chair, Shehu Gabam, said political meanings should not be read into the SDP visit because he has known El-Rufai for quite some time.

He said: “My relationship with Mallam Nasir el-Rufai predates 1999. I knew him long before then, and we have been close.

“Coming to the SDP secretariat, I don’t know why it is so special that people misinterpret or interpret how it suits them. There are a lot of politicians of the APC that have visited me, and other parties have visited me.

“Do not forget that not too long ago, Al Mustapha came to my office and people were speculating that he is decamping to SDP.

“Will you be surprised if President Bola Tinubu visits SDP? He knows me and I know him.”

It is worth noting that El-Rufai played a major role in the merger that birthed the APC in the buildup to the 2015 polls.

However, the Kaduna State House of Assembly on Tuesday commenced a probe into “multi-million dollar loans” taken during the El-Rufai administration.

A former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kola Ologbondiyan, has shed light on why the party has not taken decisive disciplinary action against its former presidential aspirant and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Wike’s recent appointment raised eyebrows within the party, fueling speculation about his possible alliance with the All Progressives Congress (APC) under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Despite these concerns, the PDP has refrained from immediate punitive measures against the ex-Governor of Rivers State.

Addressing the media, Ologbondiyan clarified that the party is meticulously adhering to its established procedures.

“There’s a disciplinary committee whose responsibility it is to look extensively into the situation before deciding whether or not to sanction the FCT minister,” he explained, emphasizing that the party operates under a strict constitution that governs its internal affairs.

He said, “Let me start by saying that the constitution of the party provides for how the party should be managed. That has been clear from the onset. The responsibility of the day-to-day running of the party lies in the office of the national chairman.

“So in respect of the minister of the FCT, Nysom Wike, it’s about disciplinary action. And I can recall that under the leadership of Secondus, when the former Governor of Ebonyi State, (Dave) Umahi, started relating with the APC, a letter was written to him in form of a query and issued to him to explain to the party why he was rallying with the APC.

“So the constitution of the party provides for disciplinary measures. It’s not a mob. Somebody can’t rise from somewhere and carry wood and say ‘You are responsible for this and that.’

“So the purview of sanctioning is with the current working committee to consider your action this way or that. The party also has a disciplinary committee where matters of this nature are addressed.”